CHORLEY'S 30-strong cadet force has escaped swingeing government defence cuts following a surprise announcement this week.

In a statement late on Tuesday afternoon, defence minister Doug Henderson pledged that the cadets would remain in Chorley for the foreseeable future.

He said: "I am pleased to announce that, following consultation with the Territorial Auxiliary and Volunteer Association, I have decided to reprovide the facilities currently afforded to the army cadet force detachment at Chorley.

"This will provide the cadets with up-to-date facilities and minimise disruption over the period of change."

Chorley's cadet force is to get a new purpose-built building at the back of the TA barracks on Devonshire Road, though no formal plans have been drawn up detailing the size and exactly what facilities will be housed there.

This announcement comes just days after a Commons' select committee report condemned the decision to move Chorley's TA barracks to North Wales - calling it "ill thought out".

However, Mr Henderson re-affirmed plans to move Chorley's 101 Battalion REME to Queensferry in North Wales.

He added: "The remainder of the site will be disposed of, as originally announced, once the facilities for the cadets have been provided. We will, of course, liaise with the local authorities on this matter."

Speaking about today's disclosure, Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle described the announcement as "a mixed bag for the town."

He said: "It's very mixed news for Chorley. The positive side is that Chorley's cadets will not get transferred to Preston. Instead, they will get brand new facilities.

"Yet, there still remains a question mark over the future of Chorley's TA barracks."

Paul Smith, the Army Cadet Force spokesman for the North West, said: "The Army recruits over a quarter of its soldiers from the Army Cadet Force, so a strong cadet force is vital to a strong army.

"The Chorley cadets can look forward to a bright future in excellent facilities tailored to their specific training needs."

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